The Senegal superstar is in scintillating form for Jurgen Klopp’s men already this season, scoring four goals in four Premier League games

Sadio Mane has named El-Hadji Diouf and Ronaldinho as his footballing heroes growing up in Senegal.

The Liverpool striker is currently enjoying a scintillating start to the season – scoring four goals from four Premier League games to help the Reds top the table.

Mane in action for Liverpool this season

After scoring 20 goals in all competitions in all competitions last season (including 10 in the Champions League) the Senegal striker is already on course to top that.

Speaking to Bleacher Report, the 26-year-old revealed there were two stars he looked up to most growing up, including a highly controversial former Liverpool star.

He said: “When I was young, I had lots of favourite footballers, but Ronaldinho was my real favourite, along with El-Hadji Diouf from Senegal.

“They really inspired me. Those two players were examples for me as a footballer. They were skilful players and good dribblers who beat their opponents easily.

Diouf in action for Liverpool and Doncaster

Ronaldinho incredibly silenced the Bernabeu while at Barcelona – such was his talent

“I was a very good dribbler as a young player, but now that I’ve got more experience, there are some useless things that I don’t do anymore.

“It’s all about making and scoring goals for the team, like my idols did when they were at the peak of their powers.”

The former Doncaster Rovers and Blackburn Rovers forward never managed to have quite the same career with the Reds as Mane.

After lighting up the World Cup in 2002, he flopped at Anfield and was soon sold to Bolton Wanderers.

He famously clashed with legends Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard – whom he later accused of racism. He is perhaps best known several spitting incidents during his time on Merseyside – including spitting at a Celtic fan in a UEFA Cup game.